Tiger Woods’ return to competitive golf has been delayed once again following surgery to repair a ruptured Achilles tendon sustained during training at his home.
The 15-time Major champion latest setback has put his participation in the upcoming Masters, scheduled to begin on April 10, in serious doubt.
The 49-year-old, who has not played in a PGA Tour event since July last year, shared the news in a statement, explaining how the injury occurred. “As I began to ramp up my training and practice at home, I felt a sharp pain in my left Achilles, which was deemed to be ruptured,” Woods said.
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Dr. Charlton Stucken of the Hospital for Special Surgery in West Palm Beach performed the minimally invasive procedure. “The surgery went smoothly, and I expect a full recovery,” Dr. Stucken reported.
Woods had initially planned to make his comeback at the Genesis Invitational in February, an event he hosts, but withdrew following the passing of his mother, Kultida.
He most recently participated in the Seminole Pro-Member tournament on March 3 and revealed the next day that he had barely practiced, admitting his “heart is not really into practicing right now” as he navigates the emotional toll of his loss.
This latest injury is yet another hurdle for Woods, whose career has been plagued by physical setbacks, including a car accident in 2021 that nearly ended his playing days and multiple back surgeries over the last decade.